First Night Offers Something for Everyone to Ring in the New Year

First Night Pittsburgh is the largest New Year's Eve celebration in the city, featuring more than 150 events scattered throughout downtown's Cultural District.

"People can visit our theaters: we have three marquee performances this year at the Benedum, Byham, and O'Reilley Theaters. We have numerous exhibitions in our art galleries. We have the parade and, of course, fireworks, everybody's favorite," said Darcy Kucenic, director of First Night Pittsburgh.

The annual event, which has been staged for more than a decade, is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event. All performances and exhibits are accessible with the purchase of a button for $8 in advance or $10 at First Night. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has been sponsoring the event for nine years.

"Pittsburgh is a great town, and one of the things that makes it a great town is the huge arts component," said Kevin McMahon, President of the Trust. "This region is so rich in arts and culture and entertainment from all vantage points, not just the sort of traditional arts, but a wide variety from populist arts to high-cultured arts."

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh is one of more than 200 across the world and 75 nationally. It kicks off with fireworks at 6:00 PM. Multi-platinum band Rusted Root will take the Highmark Stage at 10:45 PM to ring in the New Year. A list of events is available online.